Things I have learnt about myself

1. I can't dance but I can get away not looking so bad here in Nigeria! 
2. I believe in "God" but its my own beliefs and I don't like to be forced into worship or to act in ways I don't agree with. A friend here said "God gave us our abilities and strengths, the world and all the resources we need - we don't need to pray for more but to get of our bum-bums and use them." Pray for hope, strength, love or thanks - not for things, make them happen yourself 
3. I think I may possibly want to adopt a child - Sarah with a child! A crazy thought and hard to believe....
4. I don't have to straighten my hair every day - curly/messy hair is fine 
5. Family and friendships survive relationships if the roots were right in the first place 
6. I can't live without a phone, internet connection and a kindle!! 
7. Living with less money makes you appreciate what you can afford 
8. Life goes on without chocolate.....
9. I miss a good steak and a fresh salad
10. Cultural differences can be funny when you're happy and challenging when you're sad 
11. I can fall in love and maybe one day I will get married 
12. I can hold my temper better now and when needed (with police, customs, immigration...) 
13. I am good at negotiating in markets 
14. I value being part of a community 
15. Living in a small place can be isolating and limits your views if you don't remember to connect with the outside world
16. A smile from/to someone can make their and my day 
17. I love attention - being an "oyibo" in africa is mainly fun 
18. I can grab opportunities when they are presented to me and I can develop professional networks 
19. It is fine to be somewhere on your own and survive - I can make friends! 
20. I can cope with living in the dark (although no power is frustrating at times!) 
21. I don't like being controlled by men - either personally or in the workplace. I like to be trusted, be respected, praised and have freedom! 
22. I know my tolerance limits and when I need to be alone 
23. I can travel to places I've never been to on my own 
24. I talk a lot 
25. I am stubborn, argumentative and cry when I am upset, angry or frustrated! But I am brave, strong, and can adapt into my circumstances 
26. I don't have to plan all of the time - I can go with the flow and see what comes up! 
27. I'm no longer early for things
28. I need friends to confide in and have fun with - they make my life happy and worthwhile 
29. Giving and helping others (even just a smile) is a great feeling 
30. I hate noice - I need peace and quiet especially at night!!! 

Nigeria has changed me, I hope my friends and family back home will recognise the new me!!